The Shape of Us - By Benadee Ameesha Dias Desinghe

Written By: Benadee Ameesha Dias Desinghe

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Benadee Ameesha Dias Desinghe brings us "The Shape of Us," a poignant piece featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This entry in the Poetry category explores the themes of life's journey and self-discovery. With a profound sense of introspection, the poem contemplates the passage of time and the universal experiences that bind us. It invites readers to reflect on their own paths, unearthing emotions that lie beneath the surface.

About the Work

"The Shape of Us" is a rich tapestry of imagery and emotion, weaving together themes of growth, resilience, and identity. Through contrasting images of youth and age, warmth and coldness, the poem evokes a powerful sense of duality. Its lyrical style and vivid metaphors invite readers to ponder the unseen forces that shape our lives. This work challenges the conventional notions of beauty and grace, urging us to embrace our authentic selves.

The Shape of Us

Original Submission by Benadee Ameesha Dias Desinghe

The Shape of Us

Beneath the same moon, two strangers grow old,

One yet to bloom, one weathered and cold;

Both stitch their smiles with invisible thread,

And bury their winters where roses lie dead.

The tongue drips honey, the teeth harbor knives,

Silk ribbons can strangle the brightest of lives;

And dams built of silence, stone by stone,

Burst oceans within that the world has never known.

The years unmask the ghosts we used to fear,

And turn to dust the flaws we held so dear;

What once seemed thorns may blossom in the spring,

When time unteaches what the mirrors bring.

So trim no rose to fit another's vase,

Nor trade your thorns to earn a softer place;

For what is bloom, if beauty must erase

The wild, untamed, unborrowed shape of grace.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the art of written expression. It provides a platform for poets and writers worldwide to showcase their creativity and share their unique voices. The competition highlights diverse themes and styles, fostering a global community of literary enthusiasts. It is an event dedicated to the celebration of language and the power of the written word.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Benadee Ameesha Dias Desinghe for her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. "The Shape of Us" offers a thoughtful exploration of the human condition, inviting us to reflect on our personal journeys. We appreciate the depth and resonance of your work and look forward to seeing more of your creative expressions in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.